Montreal Alouettes give Arthur Hamlin start at safety in preseason clash with Redblacks

Photo courtesy: Montreal Alouettes

The Montreal Alouettes will field much of their projected starting lineup to begin Friday night’s preseason clash with the Ottawa Redblacks.

Notably, Arthur Hamlin will get the first crack at occupying the safety spot vacated by Marc-Antoine Dequoy upon his retirement. The third-year player from Ottawa, Ont., has pinch-hit at safety previously, making six starts in 28 career games and producing 22 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, and an interception.

2025 second-round pick Nate Beauchemin is listed as the primary backup, while highly touted former first-round pick Jonathan Sutherland enters his first CFL game as the third-stringer.

Other notable players getting first-team reps include Don Callis and Robert Kennedy III at the two halfback spots, newcomer Daniel Wise at defensive tackle, and third-round CFL Draft pick Nathan Udoh as the inside slot receiver. Free agent acquisition Jerreth Sterns will also debut in the receiving corps.

Franchise quarterback Davis Alexander is expected to appear with the top unit, though it is unclear how long he’ll remain in the game. Dustin Crum is listed as the backup, with James Morgan third on the depth chart and recent Canadian signee Arnaud Desjardins bringing up the rear.

Notable players who won’t dress for this game include returner DeVonte Dedmon, receiver Cole Spieker, fullback David Dallaire, halfback Wesley Sutton, and defensive tackle Mustafa Johnson.

The Alouettes will host the Redblacks at 7:00 p.m. EDT at Percival Molson Stadium. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy, dropping from a pre-game high of 20 degrees. The game will be broadcast on RDS, with fans in English Canada able to view the action via the league’s free streaming platform, CFL+.